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Remember the characteristics of ADHD: Inattentiveness, distractibility, impulsivity. This list can be expanded to many more, but these are the big three. I have found that the problem of disorganization and lack of follow-through skills are also some of the most common symptoms of this condition. I often find myself recommending to parents of children with ADHD that getting the child a pet may be an idea to start teaching responsibility. If a parent were to do this, they must start SMALL and SIMPLE. A suggestion might be a goldfish. Just start with one. Get a small bowl and teach the child the responsibility of feeding the fish once a day and cleaning the bowl on a scheduled day. Some children may never make it to the next step of a pet, but simply mastering how to care for a goldfish can be extremely rewarding.

The next step might be a small caged animal or bird, such as a hamster or parakeet. These little critters are fun to play with or talk to, and require a higher degree of care. The cage is a lot more cumbersome to clean and the logistics of handling the animal or bird may play a role in learning.

After the child has done well at this level, the parent may be inclined to think about a dog or a cat. Remember, the process of responsibility for the child is key in this process, so the parent has to be insistent that the child has to be in charge of the duties. The minute that the parent takes over the process, the child will relinquish the role of caregiver. You should prepare a consequence if the child fails to meet the responsibilities, such as giving the pet away to someone else. These consequences should be discussed before you acquire the pet.

As parents and teachers of children with ADHD, we are always looking for fun and positive learning tools. Try this process and see how it goes. Good luck!

Last Updated:9/22/2009

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health. See More

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